First-Generation (First-Gen) college students are defined as any student whose parents or legal guardians have not earned a 4-year college degree. At the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, 25.7% of undergraduates are first-gen. Additionally, many faculty and staff on campus also identify as first-gen.
A few aspects of college that many students can find challenging include:
- understanding administration and structure
- navigating processes (like class registration and financial aid)
- making new friends
- finding support and resources
